Is every TV 60 Hz?

Your TV‘s refresh rate specifies how many times per second the image can be redrawn on the screen. This impacts motion clarity and frame rate synchronization for gaming. But do you really need the latest 120Hz, 240Hz or higher? Let‘s dive into the key differences and when higher refresh rates matter.

What is a TV Refresh Rate?

The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and indicates how many times per second the TV can refresh the image. Standard rates are:

• 60Hz – Redraws the screen 60 times per second
• 120Hz – Refreshes 120 times per second
• 240Hz – Refreshes 240 times per second

A higher rate updates the image more frequently, which can reduce motion blur. This is especially beneficial for fast moving sports, gaming, and action films.

But refresh rate is often confused with frame rate, the number of unique frames of video per second. Refresh rate is the TV‘s ability, while frame rate is the media‘s output.

Historical Use of 60Hz Refresh Rate

For decades, televisions have had 60Hz refresh rates. This was chosen to match the 60Hz utility frequency that alternating current electricity operates at in most households.

By aligning to this 60Hz standard, TVs could avoid flickering during playback. So 60Hz became the baseline refresh rate worldwide for TVs and monitors.

At 60Hz, content filmed or broadcast at 30 frames per second (fps), like movies and TV shows, can be displayed smoothly without choppiness or tearing. This is why 60Hz has been sufficient for most television watching over the years.

120Hz and Higher Refresh Rates for Smoother Motion

In recent times, 120Hz and faster refresh rates have become common, especially on premium 4K TVs. For example, among 2022 TV models:

• 60% offered 120Hz refresh rates
• 27% offered 144Hz or higher

[Source: Statista]

With a higher rate like 120Hz, the TV refreshes twice as often as 60Hz. This results in smoother perceived motion with less blurring. Fast moving objects like sports balls or video game graphics can be tracked more precisely.

This benefits certain content like live sports, where the constant rapid movement leads to blurring on 60Hz displays. At 120Hz or 240Hz, the motion stays sharper for viewers.

Video games are another major use case, covered in detail in the gaming section below.

Native 120Hz vs Motion Processing Tricks

It‘s important to distinguish between native refresh rates and simulated rates boosted by processing tricks.

True native 120Hz panels refresh at 120 times per second natively. This allows precise framing of content at up to 120fps for blur-free motion.

Many 60Hz TVs use technologies like motion interpolation to artificially create in-between frames. This can introduce visual artifacts, or the unnatural "soap opera effect."

One clue to identify native 120Hz is to check for HDMI 2.1 ports, which enable higher resolutions and refresh rates. We‘ll explore HDMI specs later in this guide.

Benefits of 120Hz Refresh Rate for Gaming

Gaming is a key use case where higher refresh rates provide tangible benefits:

1. Smoother visuals – Games running at 60fps or 120fps can better sync with 120Hz displays for tear and stutter-free motion. This leads to a more fluid and immersive experience.

2. Lower input lag – At 120Hz, input lag is reduced compared to 60Hz. Input lag is the delay between pressing a button, and seeing the result on-screen. Lower input lag provides a tighter, more responsive feel.

For example, the popular LG C1 OLED TV has 14ms input lag at 60Hz, but just 5.8ms at 120Hz according to DisplaySpecifications. This 2x reduction matters for competitive gamers.

Esports players strongly favor 120Hz+ monitors to gain every edge possible from the faster refresh rates and near-instant input response times.

When to Get a 120Hz, 144Hz or 240Hz Display

Based on their benefits for gaming, sports, and home theater, here are some recommendations on when higher refresh TVs or monitors are most beneficial:

• PC or console esports gaming – Reduced input lag and matched frame rates are game-changing.

• Living room console gaming – Next-gen consoles may push towards 120fps gaming. Future proof with 120Hz.

• Sports fans – Enjoy crystal clear motion for fast-action like football and hockey.

• Movie buffs – Take advantage of films mastered in 120fps High Frame Rate.

• AV enthusiasts – Experience IMAX-like clarity for sports, movies and gaming.

• Future proofing – As more 120fps content emerges, your display will be ready.

Of course, these come with trade-offs:

• More expensive – 120Hz TVs cost $200+ more on average. Expect to pay a premium.

• Limited content – Most current movies and shows don‘t exceed 60fps. You won‘t see full benefits yet.

• Requires capable devices – Game consoles, Blu-ray players and video cards must output 120fps.

For many general users, 60Hz will be perfectly satisfactory. But gamers and home theater buffs may find the upgrades worthwhile.

TV Manufacturer‘s Marketing Claims

Understanding marketed "motion enhancement" specs can be confusing. Manufacturers use undefined terms like:

• Clear Motion Rate (CMR)
• Motionflow XR
• Motion Rate

These may claim extremely high rates like "CMR 960" implying a 960Hz refresh rate.

In reality, these numbers refer to the effective refresh rate with motion interpolation enabled. The native panel refresh remains 60Hz or 120Hz.

Check detailed specs sheets and reviews to determine the real native refresh rate. Don‘t put too much stock in the inflated marketing claims.

Other Picture Quality Factors

While refresh rate affects motion clarity, several other factors determine overall picture quality:

• Contrast ratio and black levels
• Peak brightness
• Backlight technology
• Wide color gamuts and HDR
• Local dimming
• Panel type like OLED vs LED LCD

For example, an OLED TV with a 60Hz native refresh rate may outperform an LCD TV with a 240Hz assisted refresh rate. The OLED‘s perfect black levels, pixel-level dimming and wide viewing angles could still win in direct comparisons:

"Despite the motion resolution advantage of its 240Hz panel, the LCD still couldn‘t match the clarity and crispness of the 60Hz OLED." — Home Theater Review

So don‘t focus exclusively on chasing the highest refresh specs. Weigh it along with the complete package.

HDMI Versions and Maximum Refresh Rates

The version of HDMI inputs play a pivotal role in unlocking the highest refresh rates. Different versions provide varying levels of maximum bandwidth:

HDMI Version	Max Resolution @ 60Hz	Max Resolution @ 120Hz
2.0	4K UHD	1440p QHD
2.0b	4K UHD	N/A
2.1	4K UHD	4K UHD

As we can see, only HDMI 2.1 provides enough bandwidth for 4K resolution at 120Hz. Most TVs with HDMI 2.0 or 2.0b top out at 4K 60Hz or 1440p 120Hz.

When purchasing a high refresh rate 4K TV, ensure it includes HDMI 2.1 to enjoy the full benefits. Interface specs are just as crucial as panel specs.

"Soap Opera Effect" – The Downside of Motion Smoothing

One downside of motion enhancement processing is the "soap opera effect," where motion looks overly smooth and unrealistic.

This was an early complaint against 120Hz and higher TVs using techniques like motion interpolation to simulate higher frame rates. The smoothing introduced a strange "home video" effect.

Thankfully, most modern TVs allow turning this effect off or customizing the intensity. So you can benefit from faster refresh rates without the "soap opera" weirdness.

Factors Beyond Refresh Rate

While refresh rate plays a role, several other factors determine overall picture quality:

• Contrast ratio and black levels
• Peak brightness
• Backlight technology
• Wide color gamuts and HDR
• Local dimming algorithms
• Panel technology (OLED vs LCD)

An OLED TV with a 60Hz refresh rate may outperform an LCD TV with a 240Hz rate, due to OLED‘s perfect black levels and stunning contrast.

So don‘t focus exclusively on chasing the highest refresh specs. Weigh it along with the complete technology package.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The key conclusions from this TV refresh rate guide are:

• 60Hz is standard and sufficient for most TV watching, streaming, and casual console gaming.

• 120Hz+ brings benefits for sports, high FPS gaming, and fast action movies by increasing motion clarity.

• Ensure "effective" motion rates match native panel refresh specs for accuracy.

• HDMI 2.1 now unlocks the full potential of 4K 120Hz gaming and entertainment.

• Picture quality depends on many innovations beyond just refresh rate.

For most use cases, a quality 60Hz TV will provide an amazing experience. But gamers and home theater enthusiasts may appreciate the upgrades 120Hz+ brings.

I hope this detailed overview has helped explain refresh rates and guided your display purchase decisions. Let me know if you have any other questions!